{"product_id":"fan-print","title":"Sake Merchant Ad, Woodblock Print","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis colorful Japanese commercial print from the late Meiji to early Taisho period was created as a hikifuda, or promotional handbill, for a sake merchant. Rather than advertising a particular bottle or brand, the print promotes the merchant and his liquor business, functioning much like an early decorative advertisement for the shop itself.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe large calligraphy on the right reads sakashō (酒商), meaning “sake merchant” or “liquor dealer.” At the center, an elegant folding fan bears a circular emblem containing the character kichi (吉), meaning “good fortune,” likely serving as a shop mark or trademark. The fan itself was also an auspicious symbol, as its widening shape when opened traditionally suggested expanding prosperity.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePeonies and a colorful temari ball surround the fan. Peonies were associated with wealth and honor, while temari were decorative handcrafted balls connected with celebration, friendship, and good wishes. Together, these symbols made the advertisement particularly appropriate as a gift from a merchant to valued customers.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHikifuda were commonly distributed by Japanese businesses as promotional gifts, often around the New Year. By creating something attractive and filled with symbols of good fortune, merchants encouraged customers to keep and display the advertisement rather than discard it.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe vivid colors reflect the increasingly brilliant commercial printing available during the Meiji period, while the work is signed “Kokuho hitsu” at lower left. More than a simple advertisement, the print offers a wonderful glimpse into sake culture, traditional symbolism, and the creative ways Japanese merchants promoted their businesses at the turn of the twentieth century.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e 9.75\" x 14.25\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Very Good, Age-appropriate wear. Paper toning in accordance with the print's age. Marks\/stains as per photo. Wear around the edges and minor paper loss might be present in some prints. Please refer to each print's image to get a better understanding of the condition.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Authentic Vintage Posters","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45234630426739,"sku":"AP8288","price":210.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0088\/3005\/8556\/files\/edited_0c379336-5bb5-4f75-8f90-5af4fa0f25c9.jpg?v=1786056410","url":"https:\/\/www.authenticvintageposters.com\/en-nl\/products\/fan-print","provider":"Authentic Vintage Posters","version":"1.0","type":"link"}